Machine for making matches.



No. 716,347. Patented Dec. 23, @502.

J. A. E. cmswELL.

MACI'HNE FOR MAKlNG MATCHES.

(Application filed Apr. 12, 1901.)

3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

Frlr...

N E S S E N I W Patented Dec. 23, I902.

J. A. E. CRES'WELL.

MACHlNE FOR MAKING MATCHES.

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wnmsses No. 7|6,8l7. v Patented D'ec.23,. I902.

J. A. E. CBISWELL.

MACHINE FOR MAKING MATCHES.

(Application filed Apr. 12, 1901.

3 Shee@s,$heet 3.

(No Model.)

UNITED STATES PATENT @rrtcn.

JAMES A. EKI N CRISWELL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

MACHBNE FOR- MAKING MATCHES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 716,817, dated December 23, 1902.

" Application filed Apri11 2, 1901. Serial No. 55.4.43. (1% model.)

To all wh077b it may concern:

Be it known thatl, JAMES A. EKIN Cars- WELL, of New York, county of Kings, and State of NewYork,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Making Matches, of which the following. isa full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to match-making machines, and more particularly to such as iS disclosed in my. Patent No. 656,014, dated August 14, 1900.

The primary obj provide simple andefficient means by which the splints as they are out will be forced di-' rectly into the separator and the latter then given an oscillatoryand reciprocatory move ment to separate the splints into independent rows and to force or stick the rows into a suitable carrier. p

A further object of the invention is to provide simple and efficient means for operating the several parts of the machine.

The invention will be hereinafter more'particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of" this specification, and then pointed out in the claims at the end of the description. f

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of one form of machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2 isa plan view. Fig. 3 isa vertical section through the separator, taken on the line 111 III of Fig. 4. Fig. 4is aver tical sectional view through the separator or section, taken on the line IV IV of Fig. 3 Fig. 5 is a detail plan of the separator-section removed from the machine and showingsome of the operating mechanism therefor. Fig. 6 is a side elevation. of the separator with the inclosiug bracket removed. Fig. 8 is a vertical section of one form of cutting device,and Fig. 9 is afragmentary elevation of the plunger device.

The frame 10 may be of any'suitable construction, and between the sections thereof a hopper 11 is supported. The cards or blanks 12 are forced through the hopper 11 by afollower 13. The cards are of the'thickness and length of the splints and of a width sufficient to provide a number of splints, and as the cards are forced through the hopper they will be suitably supported under a plunger 14. This plunger is secured to a slide15,that moves ect of the invention is to Fig. 7 is an inverted plan vertically in the frame 10, and said slide is held by a yielding connection to an arm 16. The arm 16 is secured to a rock-shaft 17, and to the rock-shaft is secured a shorter arm 18, theend of which is connected to an eccentric strap or rod 19, that is operated by an eccentrio on the shaft 20. A gear 21 on the shaft 20 is operated bya smaller gear or pinion 21 on the main drive-shaft 22, and on the main drive-shaft is the usual belt-pulley. As the drive-shaft is operated the mechanism described will force the cards to a suitable cutting device 23. As shown, this cutting device, Figs. 1 and 9, as well as the other parts so far described, is substantially the same as in my patent hereinbefore referred to and may be of any suitable form.

The cutting device 23 consists of a roll of circular cutters 24, held to a shaft or spindle 25 and spaced apart the width of the splints. The cutters out the splints against a roll 26, and this latter roll is smaller than the cutters to permit the splints to be carried past said roll without requiring the splints to be forced any farther than is necessary by the plunger 14, the said plunger being slotted, as

. at 27, Fig. 9, to pass by and between the cuttors, as fully set forth in my patent.

To separate or dividethe splints into independent rows, a separator or section 28 is provided. This separator has the end pieces29 and the bracket 30, which rigidly holdsthe end pieces together and'forms the separatorframe. Slidingly held in the separatorframe are a series of plates 31. These plates are substantially T-shaped and have each a holding receiver, slot, or device 32 for the splints. The plates 31 are arranged in sets, the number of which vary'with the number of rows into which the splints are to be divided. As shown, there are four sets,'one of which is fixed to the frame and the other three sets are movable, though all the plates maybe movable, if desired. The movable sets of plates have teeth 33 on their lower surface, which mesh with the teeth of suitahie gear-rolls. The gear-rolls 34, 35, and 36 engage the teeth of their corresponding set of plates or members. The shaft 37 of the gearroll 35 is extended beyond the end sections, and on the shaft adjacent to one of the end sections are the gears 38 and 39. The gear 38 meshes with a gear 40 on the shaft 34, and the gear 39 is in mesh with a gear 41 on the shaft of the gear-roll ,36. As the shaft 37 is rotated the gear-roll 35 will be rotated therewith, and by means of the gears 38, 39, 40, and 41 the gear-rolls 34 and 36 will be also rotated so as to move the sets of plates which mesh with the rolls. The sets of plates will move different distances relatively to each other and willv divide the splints into four in dependent rows, the operating-gears of the several gear-rolls being so proportioned with respect to each other that the rows will be separated the proper distance and into independent parallel rows.

The separator 28 moves with the blocks or bearings 42, and said separator has a sleeve 43, projecting outward therefrom, which surrounds the shaft 37. These blocks are slidingly held in the frame 10 and form bearings for the sleeve 43 and the shaft 37, and when forced along'their guides they will carry the shaft 37 and the separator-section therewith. One end piece of the separator is provided with a sleeve 43, and formed on or secured to the sleeve is a segmental gear 44, that is adapted to mesh with teeth on the stationary rack 45. A disk 46, provided with afoot 47, rotates with the sleeve and the segmental gear 44, and said foot at the proper time is adapted to rest upon a stationary plate or block 48, so that as the shaft 37 and bearings are forced outward along the rack 45 the segmental gear Will rotate the separator and will cause the foot 47 to rest upon the plate or block 48, so as to steady and position the separator, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6. A segmental gear 49 is secured to the shaft 37 and meshes with a stationary or fixed rack 50, and a disk 51, having a foot 52, rotates with the segmental gear 49 and is adapted at the proper time to engage the surface of the plate or block 53. This latter movement is substantially identical to that for rotating the separator and differs therefrom only in the number of teeth on the gear 49, rack 50, and in the position of the foot 52 and is for the purpose of rotating the shaft the proper distance to operate the several gear-rolls, and thereby move the sets of plates to separate the splints.

As a means for reciprocating the bearings 42 and the shaft 37 the ends of the latter pass through openings in the ends of the rods 54.

There is a rod for each end of the shaft 37, and on the outer ends of the shaft are collars 55. The rods are operatively connected to and are operated by eccentrics 56, that are secured to the shaft 57. On the shaft 57 is a gear 58 and a locking-arm 59. The gear 58 is adapted to mesh with a segmental gear on the shaft 20, and carried by the gear 60 is a rib or flange 61, which is adapted to engage the locking-arm 59 at the proper time. It will be seen that as the shaft 20 is rotated the segmental gear 60 will engage the teeth of 'the gear-58 and will rotate the shaft 57 one complete revolution. This will rotate the eccentrics 56, and by the latter the bearings 42 and the shaft will be forced outward to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6 and then back to the position shown in full lines. In this position the holding devices 32 of the several sets of plates register to form a common entering groove to receive the splints endwise in a single row and in a common plane, and in this position and while receiving the splints the shaft 57 and theeccentries 56 are locked by the arm 59 and rib or flange 61. The outward movement of the separator will force or stick the splints into the carrier or other holding means. The carrier may be of any suitable form and may be fed to and removed from the machine in the usual or in any preferred manner. As shown, the carrier 62, Fig. 6, is the usual plate provided wit-h holes into which the splints are forced by the separator, the holes in the carrier-plates being staggered to correspond to the position of the splints after being separated. The plates may be hinged or linked together or may be passed through the machine and then removed and the matches completed by hand, or they may be completed automatically in the usual way. The separator during the return movement after sticking the splints into the carrier is subjected to means for cleaning the holding devices of any fiber, dust, and the like that might remain in and clog the same. For this purpose a pipe or chute 63 has its mouth arranged in the path of movement of the separator, the chute being flared at its lower end and cut away between its sides to permit the separator to pass. This pipe has its otherend connected to an exhaust-fan and has a valve 64 arranged therein. This valve is normally held closed by a spring 65, that has one end fastened to one end of a bell-crank lever 66. This lever is fastened to the shaft of the valve 64 and has its lower end provided with a pivoted engaging finger that is adapted to move on its pivot in one direction only, and said finger is arranged in the path of movement of a cam-surface 67 on the plungerslide 15. As the plunger-slide is forced upward the cam-surface will engage the pivoted finger and will tilt the lever 66 and open the Valve 64 at a time when the separator is under the mouth of the chute and during its return movement. On the outward movement of the separator to divide the splints and stick them in the carrier and during the downward stroke of the plunger the valve64 will be closed by the spring 65, so as not to interfere with the separator either in receiving or in dividing the splints, the plunger during its downward stroke tilting the finger of the bell-crank lever without operating the latter. Instead of the means shown for operating the valve 64 any suitable means may be employed.

The timing and operating mechanism of the several parts may be of any suitable form, and for operating the'cntter-roll a gear 68 is ICC arranged on the shaft 20. This gear is in mesh with an idler 69, which is adjustable on the frame 10, and the latter gear is in mesh with a gear on the cutter-spindle.

l he invention will be readily understood from the foregoing description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

The parts being operated,the cards 12 will be forced by the plunger 14 to the cutting device 23,and the latter will cut the cards into complete splints. the plunger 14 will force the splints wellinto the holding devices 32 of the separator. The shaft 57 is now given one complete revolution, which will rotate the eccentrics and through them will move the rods 54. These rods will force the shaft 37, bearings 42, and the separator outward, and during this movement the splints will be separated into the independentrows,asalreadyexplained,andwillbe forced into the holding devices of the carrier 62, the separator being returned to its former position to receive another row of splints.

From the foregoing it will be seen that simple and efficient means is provided by which the splints as they are out are forced direct into the separator and by the latter divided intoindependentparallel rowsand then forced into the carrier.

The feature of separating the splints and carrying them bodily by an oscillatory and reciprocatory device is broadly claimed in my application, Serial No. 55,610, filed April 13, 1901. The feature of carrying the splints bodily and separating them into independent rows and then forcing such rows into the dipping carrier or frames is claimed, broadly, in my applications, Serial No. 737,186, filed November 16, 1899, Serial No. 52,005, filed March 20, 1901, Serial No. 45,0t4h-filed January 28, 1901, and Serial No. 54,618, filed April 6, 1901.

It will be understood that the splints may be divided into any desired number of independent rows, the sets of splint-receiving plates varying accordingly, and instead of cards long blanks or strips of veneer may be used and a second cutting device arranged on the machine to cut the long strips transversely to form complete splints.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In match-making machinery, the combination with rotary cutters, a feed-plunger for feeding veneer cards thereto, and means for reciprocating the said plunger, of reciprocatory and oscillatory separable receivers for receiving the splints into which the veneer cards are separated by the cutter, and for con veying the same to carrier-frames, means for separating the receivers, and means for intermittently reciprocating and oscillating the receivers once for every reciprocation of the said feed-pl unger.

2. In match-making machinery, the combination with splint-cutting mechanism, of a series of more than two separable oscillatory and After the splints are cut reciprocatory splint-receivers each adapted to receive a single match-splint, means for delivering the splints each to its individual receiver, independently of any of the other said receivers, and means for separating the said receivers.

3. In match-making machinery, the combination with splint-cutting mechanism, of a plurality of oscillatory and reciprocatory splint-receivers each adapted to receive a single match-splint, means for delivering the splints each to its individual receiver independen tly of any of the other ofsaid receivers, means for separating the said receivers, a carrier, together with means for moving the receivers to stick and leave the splints in said carrier.

4. In match-making machinery, the combination with splint-cutting mechanism, of a set of oscillatory and reciprocatory separable splint-receivers, comprising three or more such receivers arranged in one series, and adapted to receive the splints from the cutting mechanism, and means for separating such receivers.

5. In match-making machinery, the combination with splint-cutting mechanism, of a set of oscillatory and reciprocatory separable splint-receivers comprising three or more such receivers arranged in one series, and adapted to receive splints from the cutting mechanism, means for separating such receivers, a carrier, together with means for oscillating and reciprocating the receivers to force and leave the splints in said carrier.

6. In match-making machinery, the combination with rotary cutters, a feed-plunger for feeding veneer cards thereto, and means for reciprocating the feed-plunger, of oscillatory and reciprocatory separable receivers for receiving the splints into which the veneer cards are separated by the cutters, and for conveying the same to carrienframes, means for separating the receivers, a carrier, and means for intermittently reciprocating and oscillating the receivers once for every recip rocation of the said feed-plunger to force and leave the splints in said carrier.

'7. In matchmaking machinery, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier, an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator into which the splints are delivered endwise direct from the cutting device, and means for moving the separator to separate the splints into independent rows and forcibly insert 9. In a match-making machine, the combi nation with splint-cutting means, of an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator-section, means for delivering the splints endwise to the separator-section, means carried by the separator for separating thesplints into more than two independent rows, and holding means receiving the separated splints during the reciprocatory movement of the section.

10. In match-making machinery, the combination with splint-cutting means, of an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator members, means for delivering a row or line of splints endwise from the cutting means to said members, means for operating the members to separate the splints into more than two independent rows, and holding means receiving the separated splints during the reciprocatory movement of the separator members.

11. In match-making machinery, the combination with means for cutting splints, of an oscillatory separator-section having receivers receiving splints direct from the cutting means, means for delivering the splints endwise to the receivers, means for operating the receivers to separate the splints, a carrier, and means for reciprocating the section to forcibly stick the splints in the carrier.

12. In match-making machinery, the combination with means for cutting splints, of an oscillatory separator-section having holding devices receiving the splints endwise in a common plane and separating them into more than two independent rows at right angles to the plane in which they are received, means for delivering the splints each to its holding device independently of any of the other of said holding devices, a carrier, and means for reciprocating the section to forciblyinsert the splints in the carrier.

13. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, and means for feeding veneer to the cutting means, of an oscillatory device having receivers receiving the splints endwise in a common plane direct from the cutting means and separating them into more than two independent rows in a plane at right angles to the plane in which they are received, means for delivering the splints endwise to the receivers, a carrier, and means for reciprocating the receivers to forcibly insert the splints in the carrier.

14. In amatch-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of an oscillatory and reciprocatory section receiving a row or line of splints endwise and separating them into more than two independent rows, means for delivering the splints endwise to the separator-section, and a carrier receiving the splints from the section during the reciprocatory movement thereof.

15. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator-section receiving the splints endwise and separating them into more than two independent rows, means for delivering the splints endwise to the separator-section, holding means receiving the separated splints during the reciprocatory movement of the section, and means as an exhaust for removing dust, fiber and the like from the separator-section.

16. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier, an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator, means for delivering the splints endwise to the separator, means carried by the separator for dividing the splints into independent rows, together with means for reciprocating and oscillating the "separator to stick and leave the splints in said carrier.

17. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a carrier, together with an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator into which the splints are delivered endwise, and which are then separated into more than two independent rows and forced into the carrier during the same movement of the separator.

18. In match-making machinery, the combination with means fol-supplying splints, of

a carrier, together with an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator into which the splints are delivered endwise in a single row and such row moved bodily at once and separated into independent rows, and the rows then forced into the carrier during the same reciprocatory movement of the separator.

19. In match-making machinery, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier, together with an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator provided with a plurality of separable splint-receivers each adapted to receive a single match-splint, means for delivering the splints each to its individual receiver, independently of any of the other of said receivers, and means for separating said receivers.

20. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting mechanism, of a carrier, an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator provided with a plurality of separable splint-receivers, each adapted to receive a single match-splint, means for delivering the splints each to its individual receiver independently of any of the other of said receivers, means for separating the said receivers, together With means for reciprocating and oscillating the receivers to carry the splints and stick the latter into said carrier.

21. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier, an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator, provided with a set of separable splint-receivers comprising three or more such receivers and adapted to receive splints from the cutting mechanism, and means for separating such receivers.

22. In match-making machinery, the combination with splintcutting mechanism, of a carrier, an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator provided with a set of separable splintreceivers comprising three or more such receivers arranged in one series and adapted to IIO Ils

- receive splints from the cutting mechanism,

means for separating such receivers, together with means for moving the separator and receivers to force and stick the splints in said carrier.

23. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator-section provided with relatively movable and stationary members receiving the splints endwise and separating them into independent rows, and holding means receiving the separated splints endwise during the reciprocat-ory movement of the separator-section, substantially as and for the purpose described.

24. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of an oscillatory and reciprocatory separatorsection provided with relatively movable and stationary members receiving the splints endwise direct from the cutting means and separating them into more than two independent rows, and a carrier receiving the separated splints endwise during the reciprocatory movement of the separator-section.

25. In amatch-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator-section provided with independent slidable and stationary members receiving the splint-s end- Wise direct from the cutting means and separating them into independent rows, and holding means receiving the separated splints during the reciprocatory movement of the separator-section.

26. In a match-making machine, thecombination with splint-cutting means, of a carrier, an oscillatory and reciprocatory section receiving the splints endwise direct from the cutting device and separating the splints in'to independent rows and forcibly inserting them into said carrier, and means as an exhaust for removing dust, fiber and the like from the section.

27. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying-splints, of a separator-section dividing the splints into independent rows, a sleeve projecting outward from the separator-section, means for turning the sleeve and section, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating the section to stick the splints in the carrier.

28. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator dividing the splints into independent rows, a shaft passing through the separator for operating the splint separating means, a sleeve projecting outward from one side of the separator and surrounding the shaft, independent means for operating the shaft and the sleeve, and holding means for the splints.

29. In a match-making machine, the combination with splint-cutting means, of a separator carrying independent plates for separating the splints, means for turning the sec tion, means for operating the plates to separate the splints into independent rows, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating the separator bodily to carry and force the splints into the carrier.

30. In a match-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a carrier, and an oscillatory and reciprocatory separator provided with stationary and movable members receiving the splints endwise separating the splints bodily at once into independent rows and forcing the splints into the carrier during the same reciprocatory movement of the separator.

. 31. In amatch-making machine, the combination with means for supplying splints, of a separator dividing the splintsinto independent rows, a sleeve projecting outward from the separator, a shaft passing through the separator and the sleeve and adapted to 0perate the splint-separating means of the separator, independent means for turning the shaft and the sleeve and separator, a carrier, together with means for reciprocating the separator to force the splints into the carrier.

In a match-making machine,a separator comprising a frame, a series of sets of plates each plate having a single splint-receiving device and held in the frame one of which sets is stationary and the others slidable,each slidable set being provided with gear-teeth, gear-rolls journaled in the frame one of which is in mesh with the teeth of each slidable set of plates, and means for operating the plates to separate the splint-receiving devices.

J. A. EKIN CRISWELL.

Witnesses:

WM. R. DAVIS, J onn G. PEARSE. 

